Meniere Disease Diet

What is Meniere disease?

Meniere disease is an inner ear condition that affects the body’s vestibular and auditory systems. The vestibular system is what gives people their sense of balance and movement. The auditory system gives people their sense of hearing. The disease is named after the French doctor Prosper Meniere.

Meniere disease affects an inner part of the ear called the labyrinth. The bony labyrinth is made up of three parts: the vestibule, semicircular canals, and the cochlea.

The organs of the inner ear are filled with a special kind of fluid that helps send signals to the brain. When someone has Meniere disease, too much fluid clogs up the tiny inner ear organs that regulate hearing and balance.

As a result, people with Meniere disease have problems with balance, movement, nausea, and hearing.

Signs and
symptoms

Vertigo makes someone feel like they’re spinning, dizzy, and lightheaded, with a loss of balance. Tinnitus is a buzzing or ringing in the ears. People with Meniere disease experience these symptoms for20 minutes to 4 hours at a time.

People with Meniere disease usually have the condition in one ear. However, there are cases where people have the disease in both ears.

limiting dietary supplements and common substances that make symptoms of Meniere disease worse

Water and diuretics

Water retention makes Meniere disease worse. But this doesn’t mean you should stop drinking fluids. It’s more important that you avoid fluids that are packed with sugar and salt, such as soda or juice concentrate. These make you retain water.

Diuretics are an important part of managing Meniere as well. Diuretics are drugs that make the kidneys produce more urine. This reduces the volume, salt levels, and pressure of fluids in the body. Reducing these help manage symptoms.

Refrain from alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine

Caffeine should be avoided because it’s a stimulant and can make tinnitus louder. Caffeine and alcohol also interfere with fluid regulation in the body. This can make the inner ear worse, causing headaches, pressure, and vertigo.

The nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products can constrict the blood flow to the inner ear, making all symptoms worse. It’s better to avoid nicotine and tobacco altogether if you have Meniere disease.

Antacids are packed with sodium, which will cause water retention. Drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol) can also cause water retention and interfere with electrolyte balance. An electrolyte balance is important for the regulation of inner ear fluid. Aspirin is known to increase tinnitus.

Living
with Meniere disease

While there may not be a cure, Meniere disease can be effectively managed, allowing people with this condition to live a satisfying and healthy life. A healthy diet and an informed approach to medication and other treatment options will improve your outlook.